5.
SICKNESS
5.1
Periods of pregnancy-related sickness absence shall be paid in accordance with in the same manner as any other sickness absence.
5.2
Periods of pregnancy-related sickness absence from the start of your pregnancy until the end of your maternity leave will be recorded separately from other sickness records and will be disregarded in any future employment-related decisions. If you are absent for a pregnancy-related reason during the four weeks before your Expected Week of Childbirth, your maternity leave will usually start automatically (see paragraph 7).
5.3
6.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
6.1
Once you have notified us of your pregnancy, we will carry out a risk assessment, and identify any preventive and protective measures that we consider we need to take. We will take such steps as necessary to avoid any risks identified affecting your health and safety as a new or expectant mother or that of your baby. This may involve:
(a) changing your working conditions or hours of work;
(b) offering you suitable alternative work on terms and conditions that are the same or not substantially less favourable; or
(c) suspending you from duties, which will be on full pay unless you have unreasonably refused suitable alternative work.
7.
STARTING MATERNITY LEAVE
7.1
The earliest date you can start maternity leave is 11 weeks before the Expected Week of Childbirth (unless your child is born prematurely before that date).
7.2
You can postpone your Intended Start Date by informing us in writing at least 28 days before the original Intended Start Date, or if that is not possible, as soon as reasonably practicable. You can bring forward the Intended Start Date by informing us at least 28 days before the new start date, or if that is not possible, as soon as reasonably practicable.
7.3
7.4
Your maternity leave will start on the earliest of:
(a) your Intended Start Date (if notified to us in accordance with this policy).
(b) the day after any day on which you are absent for a pregnancy-related reason during the four weeks before the Expected Week of Childbirth. If this happens you must let us know as soon as possible in writing. Maternity leave will be triggered unless we agree to delay it.
(c) the day after you give birth. If you give birth before your maternity leave was due to start, you must let us know the date of the birth in writing as soon as possible.
7.5
Shortly before your maternity leave starts we will discuss with you the arrangements for covering your work and the opportunities for you to remain in contact, should you wish to do so, during your leave. Unless you request otherwise, you will remain on circulation lists for internal news, job vacancies, training and work-related social events.
7.6
The law prohibits you from working during the two weeks following childbirth.
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